Transcript

1.
catalyst for tech startups
catalyst for tech startups
st. louis
tech
startup
report
St. Louis Tech Startup Report sponsored by:
2013 Year in Review
created in collaboration with
itenstl.org

2.
About ITEN
The catalyst for tech startups in St. Louis,
ITEN provides unique programs for rapid product
development, connections to talent, essential
networking, and access to funding. Designed by
entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, requiring neither
payment nor equity, ITEN is a unique community
asset building a new culture of innovation. ITEN
can be found on the web at www.itenstl.org
and @itenstl on Twitter.
about this report
table of contents
The St. Louis Tech Startup
Report: 2013 Year in Review
is an overview and summary
of the tech startup ecosystem
in the Greater St. Louis
Metropolitan Area. This is
the second annual version
of the report, reflecting
our best efforts to capture
information about the growth,
evolution and current state
of technology startups in
the St. Louis region for the
calendar year 2013. The report
is based entirely on original
data gathered from more than
350 startups that ITEN has
tracked since 2008.
2
Jim Brasunas’ Letter
4
Key Trends Overview
5
The Companies
6
ITEN Top Ten
8
ITEN Fast Ten
10 Rankings
12 The Money
14 Jobs & Hiring
16 St. Louis: A Startup City
18 Quotations
20 St. Louis Tech
Startup Ecosystem

3.
Funding
jim brasunas
BioSTL, BioGenerator and ITEN
Of course, the flow of money
As demonstrated by the phenomenal
growth statistics in this report, the
St. Louis tech startup community
had a banner year in 2013.
product for wealth managers.
iSelect is just getting out of
collaborated to create a new
is the lifeblood of any startup
the gate, but great things are
Special Interest Group (SIG) for
community. And for regional
expected from the fund, which
anyone interested in Healthcare
startup funding, there were
takes advantage of some emerging
Tech, and there are a number of
quite a few positive developments
provisions of the new Jobs Act.
other SIGs formed or in the planning
in 2013:
stages, including App Developers,
Cultivation Capital expanded
A Community
On the Move
Women in STEM, Minorities in
Tech, Big Data, and Gamification.
in a number of important ways:
While money and physical
Whether it’s the continuing
government, universities,
the first out-of-Boston location
co-launching 630 with the
space are important, there are
Innovate St. Louis and the
growth in Top 10 ventures like
foundations, startups and the
for the Cambridge Innovation Center
St. Louis Regional Chamber, an
multiple other intangibles that
Economic Development Partnership
yurbuds, Norse, MulticoreWare
general public to invest the time
(CIC), a startup facility that attracts
Accelerator program for financial
go into creating a “support
collaborated to launch the
and others, or newer emerging
and money needed to begin
venture capitalists, entrepreneurs,
services startups which invests
infrastructure” for tech startups,
AccelerateSTL website, a new
companies bursting onto the
turning things around. Creating
entrepreneur support organizations
$100,000 into each entrant.
and in St. Louis, that infrastructure
community portal. Along with this
scene such as Pixel Press, Eateria
and maintaining the infrastructure
(ESOs) and corporate offices
Cultivation Capital also developed
continues to get better and better.
Report, the new portal and other
or Rovertown, the energy and
that startups need is a great use
from some of the most important
a healthcare fund to go along with
In 2013, there were a number of
community initiatives are important
enthusiasm of our region’s startup
of public and private resources.
worldwide players, all under the
its previous focus on IT, nearly
important developments in the
ways that we broadcast to the
community is beginning to make
In St. Louis, it’s meant all the
same roof. It’s hard to measure
tripling the amount of investments
startup ecosystem:
world the great renaissance
fundamental changes in the way
difference, and in 2013 we had
the impact that CIC will have on
that it made into local startups.
the region sees itself. This cultural
some remarkably positive
the St. Louis scene, but if it comes
shift, still in its infancy, represents
developments.
anywhere close to what it’s done for
Over at St. Louis University,
Wednesday morning. 1 Million
There is always more to do,
Kendall Square in Cambridge,
the Billiken Angel network
Cups is held at the NineNetwork
but we are happy to report
expanded its reach by removing
and provides a forum for early stage
that the St. Louis tech startup
the requirement of “SLU DNA” in
scalable ventures to present their
ecosystem is on a roll. The drive
the beginnings of an incredible
going on in St. Louis.
1 Million Cups meets every
New Spaces,
New Places
we are really in for a treat!
reason to hope for better times
across the region. But it hasn’t
This past year, we had a great
Virtually across the street from
the ventures they support; they
business to the community. The
to reinvigorate our region as an
always been this way.
expansion of physical facilities
CIC, the growth of the BioGenerator
are now open to investing in all
event is live-streamed on Nine’s
entrepreneurial hotbed of new
local startups.
website, and is a first coming-out for
ideas and new business ventures
many new ventures. ITEN brought
has been years in the making.
ITEN’s own Mock Angel program
1 Million Cups, an idea of the Ewing
Today, with the continuing effort
graduated eight ventures in 2013,
Marion Kauffman Foundation, to
of so many, we have a vibrant
turnaround for our town, and a
for tech startups. From a purely
at CET, which is opening up new
For decades, St. Louis was a
functional point of view, tech
lab space, is a big step forward for
big corporation town, living
startups only need access to high-
bioscience startups.
off the residual momentum of
speed Internet, which has become
ventures created by entrepreneurs
ubiquitous across the region. But
Out in Creve Coeur, the
which is well above any previous
the St. Louis market as the 4th city
community of entrepreneurs striving
generations ago. As those
there’s also a growing appreciation
County’s new Helix Center is
year. We also announced a doubling
in the country to host these events.
to hatch the next great company.
corporations progressed through
for collaborative spaces with a
already nearing capacity with both
of the capacity of the program to
Now there are 1 Million Cups
Supporting them is an ever-
their lifecycle and inevitably
high density of startups.
bio and IT startups, and includes
meet growing demand in 2014.
events in 26 cities nationwide.
widening group of investors and
a great community meeting space
declined or were acquired by more
business and community leaders.
aggressive out of town interests,
The continuing success of T-Rex
that ITEN uses on a regular basis
Arch Grants expanded its number
ITEN’s new Entrepreneur In
There is every reason to believe
St. Louis wasn’t doing enough
and the recent announcement of
for Mock Angel meetings. The
of grantees to 20 in 2013, and the
Residence program is expanding.
that 2014 will be even better
to encourage and enable high-
its purchase of the Lammert building
Helix Center has also hosted
ventures that Arch Grants is bringing
The EIR program is modeled
than 2013.
growth startups that could replace
on Washington Avenue, as well
numerous meetings of the Regional
to town from all over the world are
on that of other successful tech
them. A generation or two of
as the opening of Lab1500 just
Entrepreneurship Initiative.
having a great impact on St. Louis.
regions such as Silicon Valley,
Let’s work together to make
entrepreneurship received
down the street, were both great
pairing promising startups with
it happen!
little support, and St. Louis
developments for the downtown
In addition to all of these
Another exciting development
proven veterans who have
experienced a relative decline
tech startup scene.
developments, more new
was the launch of the iSelect Fund,
previously helped build emerging
co-working spaces are set to
a new investment vehicle for
ventures. ITEN’s EIR program will
compared to other regions.
A couple of miles away, the renewed
open downtown in 2014, and
startups. The iSelect Fund is
join the successful EIR program at
We’re fortunate that civic leaders
development of the Cortex region is
a new incubator is in the works
essentially building a mutual fund
BioGenerator as an important new
came forward from industry,
a tremendous story. Cortex will be
for St. Charles.
of local startups as an investment
resource for the region’s startups.
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Jim Brasunas
Executive Director, ITEN
itenstl.org / 3

4.
Key Trends Overview
In 2013, the St. Louis tech startup
community continued to mature and
evolve while taking advantage of
unprecedented collaboration across
the region.
The Companies
The startup community begins
For our Top Ten list and the
For our Fast Ten list, we look
and ends with the entrepreneurs
industry segment lists in this
only at companies founded in
and ventures that are striving
report, we focus on the following
2012 or later, and give additional
to bring new ideas to market,
key metrics: total funds raised
consideration to the growth in
reshape industries and markets,
(from all outside sources including
metrics during calendar year
and ultimately create something of
but not limited to friends and
2013. We think the companies
lasting value. The St. Louis region
family, grants, debt and equity),
on the Fast 10 list are ones most
has numerous emerging companies
current monthly revenue, total
likely to emerge and make an
impact in the next year or two.
ITEN saw some compelling trends
Tech Entrepreneurs continue
If we can achieve a talent influx from
that are not just growing, but
employees (including founders
in our company analysis of 2013.
to break down barriers between
these under-represented groups,
thriving. Once again, we rank the
working full time on the venture),
Tech entrepreneurs felt encouraged
industry sectors.
we will bring new opportunities for
top ventures in our Top Ten, Fast Ten,
and related factors. Outside
A final note: we are limited
growth to our region.
and Segment Rankings for 2013.
funding, customer revenue,
in our evaluations by the
by the prospect of additional local
funding and widespread support
2013 saw a marked rise in companies
and employees hired are the
willingness of companies to
from multiple Entrepreneur Support
that are creating innovation and
Greater collaboration among
These lists seek to recognize and
main criteria we use to measure
share with us their proprietary
Organizations (ESOs) in the area.
efficiencies in exciting new clusters.
community partners is benefiting
celebrate those early stage tech
a venture’s impact on the
data. As you can see from this
The number of tech companies
ITEN saw good growth in areas
startup companies.
ventures that are getting the most
community. We also include the
report and any of our other
tracked by ITEN swelled to over
like Healthcare Tech, Mobile, and
traction, most likely to become a
growth in these three primary
reports and publications, ITEN
350, and positive trends in the
Gamification. Companies in these
In 2013 many of the ESOs in our
lasting success, and most likely to
metrics over the course of 2013.
does not divulge company-
ecosystem continued to emerge.
subsets are evolving and growing
region worked closely together to
make significant contributions to the
By doing so, we give added
specific data. And while most
in unique ways and have prompted
share best practices, collaborate
St. Louis region’s economic prosperity
weight to the traction that
ventures are very cooperative,
Monthly revenue and funding
ITEN to create Special Interest
on events, and in many cases
through the growth of well-paying
companies are getting right
a few are less forthcoming and
into tech startups continue to rise.
Groups (SIGs) around them in 2014.
share the work of accelerating
jobs, and wealth creation for
now, and reward the ones that
this may have had an impact
founders and investors.
are growing rapidly.
on their rankings.
Creating the right environment for
tech startups. The best example
Our numbers from ITEN
each of these types of companies
of that may have been the Startup
companies tell us that revenues
to flourish will also require the
Connection showcase in the fall
and investments continued to
collaboration of many other investors
of 2013, a collaboration between
climb from 2012 to 2013. Monthly
and ESOs in the region.
InnovateVMS, Innovate St. Louis,
combined revenue of active ITEN
ITEN, Arch Grants, St. Louis Regional
companies has increased from
Diversity and inclusion are
Chamber, Cultivation Capital and
$5.0M to $5.9M in 2013. Companies
critical components for the region
Six-Thirty. Over $160,000 of prizes
seem to be more focused on
to develop going forward.
were awarded to early stage
product development and customer
ventures at Startup Connection
cultivation to get to revenue.
While the diversity metrics have
in front of the largest attendance
The lean startup methodology
not changed significantly from 2012
in Startup Connection history.
of developing a strong business
to 2013, ITEN echoes the loud and
Additionally, with the work of groups
model, validated by revenue and/
clear message that the region needs
like VentureSTL, LaunchCode and
or users, is taking hold with both
to foster more inclusion of women
the Regional Entrepreneurship
entrepreneurs and investors.
and minorities in the tech startup
Initiative, the programming and
community. Other ESOs in the region
support of entrepreneurs is more
have come to the same conclusion.
coordinated than it has ever
A diverse and vibrant workforce
been. (See the graphic of the tech
helps attract the talent needed by
ecosystem at the end of this report.)
learly, innovation and entrepreneurship are key to the St. Louis
C
region’s future success and economic growth. After laying the groundwork
for years by building business incubators and lab space, connecting mentors,
investors and entrepreneurs, leveraging our research capacity and encouraging
new enterprises, the St. Louis startup community is vibrant and thriving. Missouri’s
technology employment grew at the third-fastest rate in the nation last year.
Under30CEO ranked Kansas City and St. Louis the fourth and fifth best large
cities for young entrepreneurs. St. Louis’ entrepreneurial rebirth and boom over
the past year is very real, and to sustain and grow this momentum will require
constant attention, collaboration and creativity. When it comes to innovation
and entrepreneurship, St. Louis’ best days lie ahead.
Joe Reagan
President & CEO,
St. Louis Regional Chamber
our startup companies to thrive.
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itenstl.org / 5

5.
TOP
TEN
1
yurbuds
yurbuds.com
yurbuds is the #1 selling
sport earphone brand in the
country. The company was
2
Norse
norse-corp.com
Norse offers proactive,
intelligence-based security
solutions that enable organi-
3
MulticoreWare Inc.
multicorewareinc.com
MulticoreWare is the
leading provider of programmer
productivity tools, libraries
4
Aisle411 Inc.
aisle411.com
Aisle411 collects,
organizes, and monetizes
product inventory and location
5
LockerDome
lockerdome.com
LockerDome is a
social media platform for
sports; it is one of the fast-
founded in 2008 by an Ironman
zations to identify and defend
and application development
data through a mobile
est growing online sports
Triathlete and a 24-time mar-
against today’s advanced cyber-
services for homogenous and
engagement platform, bring-
properties in the world. More
athoner to solve the athlete’s
threats. Norse’s global platform
heterogeneous multicore CPU
ing simplicity to in-store
than twenty million people
need for a quality earphone that
continuously collects and ana-
and GPU architectures.
search and navigation.
use LockerDome to consume
doesn’t hurt or fall out during
lyzes “dark intelligence” from
content and interact with
active use. yurbuds’ products
where bad actors operate on
like-minded people around
are ergonomically designed
the Internet to provide unique
their favorite sports interests.
for comfort and exceptional fit,
insight and actionable intelli-
while providing best-in-class
gence enabling organizations
audio quality and durability.
to defend against today’s advanced threats.
Honorable
mentions
These dynamic ventures
just missed making the Top 10
list (in alphabetical order):
6
Mortgage Returns
mortgagereturns.com
Mortgage Returns is
a database-driven CRM and
Automated Marketing Solution
7
Splice Machine
splicemachine.com
Splice Machine is the
only transactional SQL-onHadoop database for real-time
8
BusyEvent
busyevent.com
BusyEvent Mobile–
the app that builds event
apps–is a suite of iOS,
9
Food Essentials
foodessentials.com
FoodEssentials pro-
vides grocery retailers and
brands with big data-driven
10
Bonfyre
(Off Campus Media)
bonfyreapp.com
Bonfyre is a free mobile app that
redefines social sharing. It helps
Blendics
designed for the mortgage in-
Big Data applications. Splice
Android and web tools that
information about ingredients
plan, capture and share event
Building Works Inc.
dustry. The company improves
Machine provides all the bene-
make tradeshows and confer-
and additives in food products,
experiences with people that
Click with Me Now
profitability of mortgage origi-
fits of NoSQL databases, such as
ences easier to manage, more
enabling targeted marketing
matter to you and have similar
Fanzlive
nators by maximizing customer
auto-sharding, scalability, fault
social and engaging and much
to ingredient-conscious
interests and/or affiliations.
Foxtrax
retention, increasing prospect
tolerance and high availabil-
more profitable to produce.
consumers.
Gremln
conversion and driving more
ity, while retaining SQL – the
By recording the digital trail
Hatchbuck
business from referral partners.
industry standard. It optimizes
of every attendee, BusyEvent
Lumate
Clients using Mortgage Returns’
complex queries to power
Mobile remarkets live event
Makaboo
CRM and marketing platform
real-time OLTP and OLAP apps
information and generates
Respond Well
average a 1,500% ROI.
at scale without rewriting
a Return on Action.℠
(formerly Respondesign)
existing SQL-based apps and
BI tool integrations.
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itenstl.org / 7

6.
FAST
TEN
1
RoverTown
RoverTown.com
RoverTown has developed
a student discount mobile app
available on both Google Play
2
Pixel Press
projectpixelpress.com
Pixel Press has developed
a patent-pending technology
enabling users of all ages to
3
Eateria
www.eateria.co
Eateria has created
a digital loyalty-marketing
tool. This is a whole new
4
CrazyForEducation
crazyforeducation.com
CrazyForEducation
provides high quality “flip”
online lessons for middle
5
Achor Technologies
achortech.com
Achor Technologies
is creating a unique, time
saving, smile producing
store and Apple store. The
turn pencil and paper drawings
way for restaurants, food and
and high school students on
alternative to one of life’s
RoverTown Student Discount
directly into interactive
hospitality businesses to
a world-wide basis.
overcomplicated tasks.
Program is the mobile provider
video games.
connect with customers by
9
10
for 72 college/university student
utilizing email, social media
discount programs across
and mobile marketing.
the United States.
6
AcuteTeleCare
acutetelecare.com
AcuteTeleCare has
developed a lightweight
iPad-based platform to
7
Code Red Education
coderededucation.com
Code Red Education
creates, markets, and
distributes a curriculum
8
SirenGPS
sirengps.com
Siren develops
smartphone technology
to immediately connect
simMachines
simmachines.com
simMachines
provides a cloud based data
science solution that allows
Ben Medica
benmedica.com
BenMedica
closes the information gap at
the point of care by enabling
manage acute stroke patients.
of computer language and
people to emergency
a programmer to make
healthcare payers to succinctly
AcuteTeleCare connects
computer coding skills to
services and loved ones –
predictions and recognize
convey benefit coverage to
physicians and patients,
grade school students.
making communities safer.
patterns in a matter of
both prescribers and patients
optimizes workflow, reduces
hours. simMachines offers
through SaaS web-based tools.
time to treatment and
similarity search of any
improves outcomes.
kind of unstructured data,
classification, regression
and recommendation.
The St. Louis startup scene
simMachines’ tools are
is hotter than ever before.
powerful building blocks that
can be combined to solve a
Jim McKelvey,
Co-Founder, Square
General Partner,
Cultivation Capital
8 / itenstl.org
wide array of problems.
itenstl.org / 9

8.
The Money
Monthly Combined
Revenue of ITEN
Companies ($M)
7
5.9
6
5.0
5
We knew that 2013 was a
growth year for the St. Louis tech
community, but once the numbers
were tallied up, we realized just
how big a year it was.
4
3.5
3
collaboration between
2
.819
1
Battery Ventures, Oak Investment
more than doubled from $30 million
where new concepts were seeded
Partners and Bain Capital.
2009
in 2012 to over $66 million in 2013.
and promising existing startups
None of the significant investments
*Minor correction to 2012 data
The tech scene in St. Louis is
were being supported.
recorded in the survey required the
2010
2011
2012*
2013
0
increases from a variety of
my belief that 2014 will be
sources. Angel investment was up
development perspective.
an even bigger year.
news from the local economic
healthy ecosystem.
significantly including increased
The quantity of startup ventures
activity from Arch Angels, Billiken
Explosive growth in St. Louis tech
receiving investment is up
Angels and from family offices and
unaffiliated individuals. The Missouri
but the better story is that these
year over year cumulative growth
Technology Corporation remained
numbers were not significantly
isn’t the singular result of any one
an important contributor of capital
skewed by outliers. Rather, they
outlier company. More St. Louis tech
to St. Louis area startups, and
represented expansion and growth
companies were funded in 2013
venture capital funding increased
by several facets of measurement,
than in any year before.
significantly by local firms such as
proving that the sustained efforts
Cultivation Capital and FTL Capital.
B
rian Matthews
F
ounder & Managing Partner,
Cultivation Capital
Money Invested in
ITEN Network Companies
(Cumulative Total)
investing is certainly a great story,
significantly from years past. The
companies in both number of
as total dollars invested. It is
St. Louis, which is welcome
appears to be an increasingly
stage venture funds leading to a
companies invested in as well
company to give up operations in
Investing activity saw significant
accelerators, angels, and early
record number of venture-backed
well-balanced funding ecosystem
and after a thorough exam, it
universities, entrepreneurial
support networks such as ITEN,
1.2
Investments in tech startups
growing into its adolescence,
2013 saw increased
of the St. Louis startup community
140
137.3
120
100
Amount of funding currently
sought by ITEN companies:
$53.9M
80
70.6
are materializing.
The size of funding rounds
remained well distributed with
Ironically, one of the benefits
greater volume seen in both
of a growing local investment
smaller seed stage investments
community has been increased
and in larger growth stage
attention from out of town investors.
investments. The total numbers
This was the case in 2013 when
were not particularly skewed by
significant investments were made
any single investment stage. The
into St. Louis startups by national
cumulative figures represent a
venture capital institutions including
12 / itenstl.org
60
Clifford Holekamp
40.3
Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship
Olin Business School,
Washington University in St. Louis
General Partner,
Cultivation Capital
40
28
17.5
2009
20
2010
2011
2012
2013
0
itenstl.org / 13

9.
Jobs & Hiring
Hiring Fields
Bridging the Talent Gap
Access to talent continues to be
future success of the company.
will be technical in nature,
a critical challenge to the startup
Looking forward to 2014, companies
with companies looking for
community. It is a need that is
responding to our survey indicate
programmers, designers
shared among large and small
an increased willingness and need
and coders.
companies in the region. Our
to hire this year. If properly funded
numbers for 2013 show that while
and able to find the talent, ITEN
2014 should bring interesting
a number of ventures added to
companies are looking to add as
assistance to bridge some of
their staffs, overall job growth in the
many as 259 positions in the first
the talent gap. Efforts such as
startup sector remained basically
6 months of 2014 compared to
LaunchCode, ArchDevAngels,
constant. The loss of employees at
185 positions in 2013. That number
and the ITEN Talent Finder
ventures that ceased operations in
grows to 539 within the entire
will be more fully implemented
2013 offset the increased hiring at
year of 2014 versus a projection
by this time next year. As
of 425 new hires in 2013.
these efforts mature they will
growing ventures.
sales 18%
marketing 15%
operations 9%
Number of Employees
Companies Expecting to Hire
1st 6 months
of year:
tech 29%
185 259
2013 2014
full
year:
425 539
2013 2014
be tremendous tools in the
The need for good talent remains,
The needed talents and skills
region’s ability to attract
as more startups realize how critical
are not a surprise. Almost 30%
and retain talent for this
early staff members can be to the
of the positions being offered
emerging marketplace.
MTC’s mission includes
Full Time Employees
With Growth
economic development
through technology innovation
n 2003, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation challenged 30 leading
I
900
universities for its Kauffman Campuses Initiative (KCI) and selected
835*
827
Washington University as one of eight inaugural Kauffman Campuses and recipient
800
of a multi-year grant to create new models of entrepreneurship education. With
700
University established in 2003 the Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
601
600
and made entrepreneurship a campus-wide, interdisciplinary effort. Under the
has not only played a pivotal role by contributing resources and creating the
Through our IDEA Fund program
for tech startups, and funding of
important initiatives such as
additional generous support from Julie and Robert Skandalaris, Washington
leadership of Chancellor Mark Wrighton and Ken Harrington, Skandalaris Center
across the state of Missouri.
500
455
ITEN, we’re committed to the
growth of the tech sector in
St. Louis. Programs like ITEN
are vital to the future health of
the regional economy.
culture of innovation and entrepreneurship at Washington University, but also by
400
supporting the entire St. Louis region. I have an emotional connection with this
300
region and it pleases me greatly to see the evolution of a vibrant entrepreneurial
ecosystem in this community. Among the number of fine organizations that have
JOE BANNISTER
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MISSOURI
TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
200
emerged during the last few years, ITEN is highly regarded for its work in effectively
100
nurturing entrepreneurship and is a shining example of why St. Louis is now
recognized on the national map as an important region for innovation
and entrepreneurship.
2010
2011
2012*
2013
0
-100
SUREN DUTIA
SENIOR FELLOW, KAUFFMAN FOUNDATION &
THE SKANDALARIS CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL STUDIES,
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS
14 / itenstl.org
n Full Time Employees
*Minor correction to 2012 data
itenstl.org / 15

10.
St. Louis: A Startup City
ro d n e y c r i m
St. Louis in the Eyes of Startups. What are entrepreneurs saying?
The St. Louis region has a long
history of innovation. European
trappers, traders and entrepreneurs
made their way to St. Louis, making
this the Gateway to the West.
Subsequent waves of immigrants
migrated from the East Coast, the
post-Civil War South, central Europe,
Asia and Latin America. The result
is a diverse population and a
culture of innovation.
St. Louis has always inspired
initiatives such as ITEN, T-Rex, the
Helix Center Biotech Incubator and
foreign-born citizens to our region.
what is just beyond the horizon.
Arch Grants that are leading the
studies entrepreneurial
ecosystems around the world.
Through partnerships like we have
with Washington University in
St. Louis and ITEN, we are exposed
to the many things happening in
places like St. Louis, things with the
potential for replication elsewhere.
The past few years have seen an
impressive growth in the number
and quality of new tech ventures
being launched there, often fostered
and supported by our partners, as
well as by others in the ecosystem.
Because of activities like the ones
we are observing in places like
St. Louis and Kansas City, the future
n 29% Excellent
n 56% Good
n 12% Fair
n 3% Poor
Mosaic Project to attract new
people to think about what is next,
The Kauffman Foundation
How Do You Rate
St. Louis as a Place
For Tech Startups?
way to support and develop new
We are an area accentuated by
The past decade has seen a
ventures. The result is an explosion
of emerging companies in fields
such as Internet security, big data
analytics, social media, mobility,
We have great universities and
now spread to areas of
health care, IT and financial services.
What St. Louis
Is Lacking
one of the top zoos in the country.
in the biosciences and has
T
hom Ruhe
Vice President of
Entrepreneurship,
Ewing Marion Kauffman
Foundation
arts and architecture, as well as
across the region that first began
region of the country.
world class museums, parks, fine
renaissance of entrepreneurship
looks bright for the entire central
research facilities, all with a low
cost of living, making this a unique
applied technology, advanced
manufacturing, social enterprise
St. Louis supports its startups.
and outstanding place to work,
and renewable energy. Much
It is home to Cortex, a high-
live and play.
of this activity is spurred by an
density innovation hub bordered
active spirit of public/private
by Washington University and
These are exciting times in St. Louis
collaboration. Recently, the
Saint Louis University, and
and we invite you to be part of it.
Regional Entrepreneurship
STLVentureWorks, a system of
With a history of innovation and risk
Initiative was launched to
small business incubators that is
taking, we’re an active, startup-
support the organizations that
the country’s largest system of
friendly city with world-class support.
are the foundation of the local
incubators and one of the best.
entrepreneurial ecosystem.
St. Louis is home to big ideas,
Specifically in the area of high tech,
which is why this past year area
St. Louis has wonderful non-profit
leaders launched the St. Louis
Rodney Crim
President, St. Louis Economic
Development Partnership
n 44% access to more funding
n 9% better talent pool
n 9% more large companies’
involvement with startups
n 16% more mentoring support
n 13% better press coverage
n 9% others
As indicated by survey of ITEN companies
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11.
Fanzlive has made a
We have been very impressed
The St. Louis startup
Since arriving in St. Louis
conscious effort to make
with the support we received
community is growing fast
18 months ago we’ve grown
St. Louis its home. We have
as we work on making my
and making significant
from four people to 15 full
witnessed the explosion of
startup, Saving Memories
headway. The people of
time and 30 part-time. This
the startup community, and
Forever, a success. We find
St. Louis are among the most
year we’ll become a profitable
want to help build St. Louis
particular value in the ITEN
welcoming. For the community
company and we’re poised
as a place to be, for potential
organization and programs.
to reach its great potential
for tremendous growth.
consumers, fun-seekers,
They have been instrumental
and become the next Midwest
A large part of this is due to
and growing businesses.
in providing a set of courses
Silicon Prairie, some hard and
the support of the community;
As a company, we owe a lot
and a mentor base that has
significant changes in vision,
from grant support, mentor
to the St. Louis startup
focused my efforts, refined
leadership and network will
support, financial investment
community for our early
my business plan and honed
need to be made. The support
and the general connectivity
success. We have realized
my investor presentation.
from Arch Grants, ITEN and
and enthusiasm of the people
firsthand the tremendous
The startup environment
many other kind-hearted
and networks here in St. Louis.
support from the locale,
in the area is excellent.
St. Louisans is helping Eateria
We’re proud to be a part
and their desire for us
The enthusiasm and energy
to become a world-class
of it all.
to be successful.
are growing. We are very
organization. For this we
happy to have moved
are indebted.
Tim Murphy,
President/Founder,
Fanzlive
Saving Memories Forever
to St. Louis.
Anton Xavier,
Co-Founder,
Food Essentials
Ola Ayeni,
President/Founder,
Eateria
Harvey & Jane Z. Baker,
Founders,
Saving Memories Forever
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12.
st. louis
Tech Startup Ecosystem
ITEN continues to
send the St. Louis
Arch Angels a steady stream
of high tech IT companies
through their Mock Angels
program. The applicants have
a defined product, business
plan and are very well
prepared to present to the
investment community.
Gil Bickel, Chairman,
St Louis Arch Angels
Because of space constraints, this graphic does
not include the many important networking events,
conventions, competitions, conferences, key
service providers, sponsors and other fundamental
elements of our region’s thriving ecosystem.
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